Description

If you're interested in business, tourism studies, humanities, and social sciences, and want to further develop your written and spoken Spanish skills, the Liberal Arts study abroad program in Palma de Mallorca, Spain is for you. You'll matriculate in university courses with Spanish students, live with a Spanish-speaking family, explore the region on class-related excursions, participate in a conversational exchange program with Spanish students, and volunteer through the University volunteer program. And, you'll have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through an internship in areas such as the tourism industry, business, non profit organizations, museums, etc.

Academic Program
Established in 2006, the CIEE Study Center at the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) provides an academic program for students with an advanced level of Spanish who are interested in humanities, business, tourism studies, Spanish literature, language, cinema, Mediterranean studies, social sciences, and sciences. The academic offering consists of a combination of CIEE Study Center language and content courses, regular courses at UIB with other Spanish students, and a for-credit internship. CIEE courses include a substantial interactive and practical component. Learning by doing is also promoted with field study activities outside the classroom.

Academic Culture
The CIEE fall program begins in mid-September with CIEE language and culture courses. Students then choose the remainder of their courses from additional CIEE culture courses, an internship, regular UIB courses, and UIB courses for international students. All CIEE courses, UIB courses for international students, and the internship finish before the third week of December. UIB regular courses continue through mid-January with exams in mid-February. Some professors allow early exams in December. Academic year students return in early January after the holiday break.

In the spring, CIEE courses begin in early February with an intensive language session and run through early June. Spring courses offered at the UIB begin in mid-February with final exams usually scheduled through June. Early exams may be arranged by students on an individual basis with professors however, CIEE does not guarantee this. Students should plan to stay until late June. Only after enrolling in UIB classes and verifying earlier finals dates may students decide to depart earlier.

CIEE class size is small. Classes at the UIB range from 15 to 60 students. Classes meet two times a week, and are scheduled Monday through Thursday (CIEE) and Monday through Friday (UIB). Most field study visits are scheduled on Fridays. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. CIEE classes provide a detailed syllabus, and students should expect daily homework assignments. University classes normally combine lectures, tutorials, seminars, and in the sciences, laboratory classes. Spanish academic tradition involves more independent work on the part of the student, although there is a trend towards making courses more interactive. Typically, the syllabus includes an outline of the themes, a list of recommended readings, and grading criteria; no detailed calendar is provided.

While extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall study abroad experience, attendance in class is paramount. Early departure for or late return from vacations is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights

• Choose from a wide range of courses, including business and tourism, Spanish language and literature, anthropology, and psychology; study alongside Spanish and other international students in a small group atmosphere
  
• Experience Spanish culture through extensive cultural activities and excursions in and around Palma, to historical and natural sites of Mallorca, and an overnight study trip to Madrid, Barcelona, or another major city
  
• Learn about how Spanish business is done through an internship for credit in a major company related to tourism and other industries, and non-profit organizations

Field Visits
Field visits are organized to complement the student's academic studies, particularly the CIEE culture courses, through firsthand exposure to sites related to the history of the Mediterranean and to tourism. Field trips may include prehistoric sites, monuments and museums, traditional fairs and markets, areas of mass tourism and over-development on Mallorca, rural eco-tourist sites, social agencies working with immigrants, environmental and governmental agencies, a fair trade organization, a traditional 17th century farm estate, the old quarter where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted in the Middle Ages, Porto Pi museum hosted in a 14th century lighthouse, and some of the trails wandered by the writers who traveled to Mallorca in the 19th century.

Sports
UIB has sports facilities similar to those found on a U.S. campus, including an indoor swimming pool, a gym, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a football field, and numerous activities and non-credit courses, such as yoga, pilates, step aerobics, aquafit, stretching, and dance.

Immersion
Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels are local University students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and participate in field trips and other events. Guardian Angels introduce CIEE students to the University and to the culture of Palma.

Conversation Exchange Program
All students participate in the conversation exchange program. CIEE language class requires that students participate in a class project with other local students from the Spanish Philology Department. Each CIEE student is assigned to a group of Spanish students from a linguistics class at the University and work together on a language research project, often resulting in strong friendships.

Volunteering
UIB offers a volunteer program so that students can play an active role in the activities of different associations and institutions in such fields as the environment, development, health, and support for people with disabilities.

Tutors and Study Groups
Students have access to tutoring and should consult with the Resident Director if they feel they are falling behind in any UIB class. Some classes require group work. It is perfectly normal for Spanish students to share notes with one another and to work together to prepare for the final exam. This is an excellent way for U.S. students to meet Spaniards and to practice their Spanish.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, most meals, orientation, organized cultural activities, full-day excursions, overnight field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application
• Transcript
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947